UPDATE: Shark fin ban stalls in Senate

UPDATE: On Tuesday, the director of Texas’ Humane Society of the United States issued a statement, saying that HB 852 had broad support and that “Sen. Troy Fraser and Sen. Larry Taylor were critical of this commonsense legislation and blocked a vote in the Senate.”

“The unsustainable demand for shark fins has had a devastating impact on shark populations worldwide and it is disappointing that the Senate did not vote this session on legislation to end our contribution to the cruel and wasteful practice,” Katie Jarl said in a statement. “A ban on shark fin products is the most effective way to eliminate the demand and to help eradicate shark finning around the world. We’ll continue to fight in Texas for these laws.”

ORIGINAL POST:

A bill to criminalize Texan fishers who possess or sell a shark fin appears to be dead in Senate waters.

Sponsored by Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, House Bill 852 was approved by the Texas House but was taken down after being introduced Monday morning. As the main ingredient for the delicacy shark fin soup, fin meat is the most valuable part of the shark, and yields up to $700 per pound. The act is also federally illegal and has been deemed inhumane, as it results in a heightened number of dead sharks.

Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, questioned Hinojosa on the bill, saying that it would unfairly limit fishers in Texas.

“We’re trying to prohibit and stop the cutting of shark fins,” Hinojosa said.